Every town has its local celebrities, and in New York City some of those celebrities are steaks.
That is to say, we eat here. New York City is not Los Angeles, where a "green-something" is considered an appropriate meal for an adult human. This is a town where a cut of meat can reach near Beyonce-level fame.
Of course, not all of the best cuts of meat have achieved such heights. Some remain unsung heroes, consistently pleasing but flying under the radar, and that's likely best.
Sometimes you don't want to have to make a reservation or dress up for a steakhouse to get down on something juicy.
Knowing that, Business Insider compiled a list of some of the best of New York City's lesser known steaks. Some are in unexpected locations, others are cult favorites, and some have just never felt the need to put on a show for anyone.
The steak speaks for itself.
New York Yankees Steakhouse, NYY Signature Rib Eye ($78)
The New York Yankees Steakhouse is in Midtown, the neighborhood of steakhouses, yet it feels more like a sports club than anything else.
No matter, the steak there is actually top notch. Definitely on par with some of its better neighbors. Go try it.
Fun fact: They'll carve anything you want into the bone of your steak.
Employees Only, Seared Rib Eye ($68)
We'll say this until we are blue in the face — Employees Only is the best cocktail bar in New York City and possibly the world. There a few reasons we'll list here.
- If you're there long enough, you'll get a bowl of chicken soup at 3:30 am.
- Despite rising to international fame, it's still a local joint where you can eventually become a regular.
- Even your mom can drink the Amelia.
- This steak (and the Cavatelli. We dream about them).
Lalito, Baby Steak ($15)
Lalo is a restaurant that has wowed critics from the moment it opened thanks to its creative Mexican fare. That's great — cool even, but Lalo's baby steak (Lalito) knows no nationality. It's just an incredibly juicy awesome cut of meat.
Llama Inn, Beef Tenderloin Stir Fry ($56)
Going to the Williamsburg/Greenpoint area is no longer some kind of strange distant trek for anyone in New York City (with any sense of taste, anyway). So checking out the Peruvian fare at Llama Inn should be on your list of things to do. The restaurant has been a mega hit in a neighborhood of mega hits.
50 Withers St, Brooklyn, New York
Angus Club Steakhouse, Porterhouse Steak ($56.95)
Young Wall Streeters tend to be more adventurous than their bosses and mentors. They haven't become totally engrained in their habits yet, so they try whatever you put in front of them.
This is a good thing. We got a tip from some baby bankers that Angus steakhouse has the cuts of the future. Thanks guys.
Metrograph, Steak Frites ($29)
File this under the letter "U," for "unexpected steak location." The Metrograph is a fancy movie theater with dining attached. Shout out to Eater for bringing it to our attention.
We didn't see it coming either.
Primal Cut, Signature Porterhouse for 2 ($55pp)
Some people are opposed to eating at restaurants attached to strip clubs (those people should skip to the next slide).
Those who are not should check out the steak at Primal Cut. That's all we have to say.
Fish Bar, Skirt Steak ($35)
If you would like to eat a delicious steak with a view of the Hudson before you, accept no substitute.
The Fish Bar is a three-story lounge and restaurant on the river, and yes, it's a seafood joint. But they still make a killer steak.
Kingside, 28 Day Dry-Aged Cowboy Rib Eye for 2 ($115)
In New York City, some hotels are adult Disneylands with clubs and restaurants and noise and tons of foot traffic.
The Viceroy is not that, and they make a great steak at the ground level restaurant.
Viceroy Central Park New York, 124 W 57th St, New York
St. Anselm, Butchers Steak ($24)
People have been talking about Williamsburg's tiny St. Anselm for years, but it bears repeating — this steak is as good as any steakhouse steak and if you don't think so you need to get your tongue examined.
The Butcher Steak is the portion to order if you plan on having a life after eating, but every single cut on the menu is awesome.
355 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, New York
Vaucluse, Tournedos Rossini ($49)
Vaucluse, which is only about one year old, is without a doubt one of the most gorgeous restaurants in NYC. On top of that, everything is done with the same precision there as at its sister restaurant, the famous Marea on Central Park.
So it shouldn't surprise anyone that Vaucluse makes a killer steak. Go try it. Wear something nice. Maybe spot Mayor Bloomberg in there (we've seen him).
Via Carota, Via Carota Svizzerina ($22)
This steak has garnered cult status among those in the city's restaurant industry.
What else do you want to know?
The Dutch, Hanger Steak ($36)
If you want something a little different from your usual steak, head to The Dutch and grab their Korean-inspired take on a cut of meat.
Why not get a little weird with it?
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufony1tMRmpKirpGLCr7DEq6marJWZerTAxJqirGWZo3qvxcJmaWlpZ2KA